Although we’re now ‘only’ less than two months away from the NRL season, it still seems like an eternity for those of us who live and breathe rugby league.

Right now I am looking forward to anything involving a ball that isn’t round being broadcast on my screen. No this is not a shot at soccer, or cricket, both of which I am huge fans, but to put it bluntly, I miss my rugby league.

Below are ten of the rugby league themed moments I am looking forward to in 2017.

55. The Penrith Panthers

NRL Rd 5 - Eels v Panthers
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - APRIL 03: Bryce Cartwright of the Panthers celebrates with team mate Dallin Watene-Zelezniak after scoring the winning try during the round five NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers at Pirtek Stadium on April 3, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Last year I had the Panthers earmarked as the most painfully dire side of the competition due to their halves pairing and the fact Griffin managed to make the Broncos boring.

At first, it looked like I would be proven correct, but by finals time, the Panthers were arguably the most exciting side in the competition. I am an unashamed Bryce Cartwright fan, I want Cleary pushed toward Origin in 2017, and I believe Trent Merrin to be one of the premier forwards in the game.

Throw in Matt Moylan and the best winger in the game right now in Josh Mansour, and this is one brilliant side.